When looking at regular conventional skateboards and the newly popular electric skateboards, there are a lot of differences. However, the major perk of these motorized electric skateboards is the effortless movement with the help of just a remote. Moving downhill and swerving around vehicles and pedestrians is easy, but “Can electric skateboards go uphill?”
This answer is yes, but this is determined by multiple factors. We’ll be discussing those factors which help in moving electric skateboards uphill. Let’s begin!
Factors that make an electric skateboard go uphill
The necessary elements that move an electric skateboard are essential in generating the force and speed of the board are:
- Gradient or the angle of the inclined surface
- Motor power of the motorized skateboard
- Weight of the rider
- Battery capacity
- Torque of electric skateboard
- Type of terrain
This article will provide you with detailed information about each of these factors.
1. Gradient or the hill’s incline
The hill’s gradient is also known as its steepness. It is the most crucial factor to consider when moving uphill because testing an electric skateboard against its limits can be fatal.
To put it into simple words, the gradient of a hill is calculated by dividing the rise in elevation by the horizontal range. It is measured in percentages or degrees. In this sense, 10% grade equals 5.7 degrees.
An average budget electronic skateboard can easily climb a hill with a 5% grade.
It is advised to get a good electric skateboard with enough power to climb a 10-20% hill. This is because most of the hills have a gradient of 20%.
A premium quality motorized skateboard with extra power and a strong battery can make the board climb a hill of 30% gradient.
2. Motor power of the motorized skateboard
The higher the motor power, the higher an electric skateboard’s ability to climb a hill.
Among the types of motors in an electric skateboard, belt motors have more power than hub motors. They are more capable of making an electric skateboard go uphill.
A low-quality motorized skateboard has a motor power of 100 watts, which is insufficient to drive it uphill. Hence, the user should be restricted to using it only in bicycle lanes and sidewalks.
Average quality e-skateboards have motor power ranging between 150-250 watts and can go uphill.
Premium electronic skateboards are the best in this case. They have a high motor power of 350-500 watts, making them suitable for climbing a steep hill.
3. Weight of the rider
People with weights up to 70kgs can quickly go uphill on regular electric skateboards. However, a rider weighing above 80kg is advised to get a premium quality e-skateboard.
This tells us that it gets difficult for the electronic skateboard to generate enough force to move uphill as weight increases.
4. Battery capacity
A high battery capacity is needed to provide energy for riding an electric skateboard uphill.
The battery of a motorized skateboard drains a lot faster when moving uphill than traveling on a linear surface.
Keeping this in mind, the user needs to save enough battery while driving or get an electric skateboard with enough battery to go uphill.
A steep hill of gradient 20% drains the battery quickly.
Different ways by which you can avoid the battery to drain faster are:
- Avoid riding the electric skateboard at high speeds
- Accelerate gradually when going uphill
- In case of strong winds, avoid riding steep hills
- Ride your e-skateboard in eco-mode
5. Torque of an electric skateboard
The torque is the rotation that is available or supplied to the wheels of an electric skateboard. That is why it is related to the wheels of an e-skateboard. Larger wheels provide you with more speed but less torque, and it is the opposite in the case of smaller wheels.
Torque is inversely related to speed. Hence, manufacturers try to balance an electric skateboard’s speed, torque, and power.
Considering the torque of your electric skateboard is essential when buying one or building a DIY motorized skateboard.
6. Type of terrain
Riding on a smooth terrain is far easier and helps an electric skateboard travel uphill faster. A rough surface is an extra hurdle that drains the power and battery.
7. Riding your electric skateboard downhill
Once you get up, you have to come down as well, and riding your board downhill is even more dangerous because of the increased speed.
You should get an electric skateboard with braking systems installed, which are favorable when going downhill. It is advised to use those brakes gradually and maintain a constant low speed.
The braking mechanism or systems can be through dynamic braking, regenerative braking, or your remote.
Always wear protective gear when riding downhill.
8. Effects of riding uphill on your electric skateboard
We are familiar that the battery of a motorized skateboard drains and is utilized more when traveling uphill. This will lead to:
- Having a shorter range. Your skateboard will not be able to travel long distances when going up.
- The skateboard can overheat as power and battery consumption increase.
Final Words – Wrapping it up
Electric skateboards are excellent devices and can quickly go uphill because they are good quality and thoroughly designed to bear this kind of riding experience.
However, whenever traveling on a steep surface, considering the factors mentioned above is necessary, along with wearing protective gear for extra care.
